Physics with Computer Science (BS)
Physics is understood in terms of many mathematical relationships that are much easier to state than solve, and computer science has become a major part of many physicists’ work to solve enormous problems. This major is preparation for graduate study in physics, applied physics, computer science, and especially in the burgeoning research field of computational physics, as well as in many branches of engineering. Employment opportunities are in the industries of R&D and manufacturing, research and teaching in academic institutions, and research in government and private laboratories.
Curriculum
This program is similar to the theoretical physics/applied mathematics option, except that some of the mathematics courses are replaced by computer science courses. A minimum grade of C- must be earned to satisfy a course requirement and a 2.0 minimum overall GPA is required for each major or minor. Final confirmation of degree requirements is subject to department, school, and university approval.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Physics | ||
| PHYS 121 | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 111L | College Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| PHYS 122 | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| PHYS 112L | College Physics Lab II | 1 |
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| Computer Science | ||
| COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| COMP 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
| COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 3 |
| Discrete Mathematics Choice | ||
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| or MATH 201 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics & Number Theory | |
| Computer Science Choice | ||
| COMP 313 | Object-Oriented Design | 3 |
| or COMP 363 | Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms | |
| 300-Level Comp Electives or Equivalent | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Bioinformatics | ||
| Metagenomics | ||
COMP 300-Level Course | ||
| Numerical Methods | ||
| Algebraic Coding Theory | ||
| Cryptography | ||
| Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Physics Laboratory | ||
| Computational Aspects of Modeling and Simulation | ||
| Total Hours | 75 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PHYS 121 | College Physics I with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 111L | College Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
| MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 3 |
| UCWR 110 | Writing Responsibly | 3 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 122 | College Physics II with Calculus Lecture/Discussion | 3 |
| PHYS 112L | College Physics Lab II | 1 |
| PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
| MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| COMP 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
| MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations 1 | 3 |
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
| COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
| PHYS 303 | Electronics I 2 | 3 |
| PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory 2 | 1 |
| COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| PHYS 310 | Optics 3 | 3 |
| PHYS 310L | Optics Lab 3 | 1 |
| PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
| COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMP 363 | Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms | 3 |
| PCSC 300-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| PCSC 300-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| Core | 3 | |
| General Elective | 1 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
- 1
Students can take MATH 264 in the spring semester of their second year, but it would be best taken before PHYS 301.
- 2
Students can take PHYS 303 Electronics I & PHYS 303L Electronics Laboratory in the fall semester of their fourth year.
- 3
Students can take PHYS 310 Optics & PHYS 310L Optics Lab in the spring semester of their fourth year.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
Learning Outcomes
Interdisciplinary fields involving science and technology continuously change and present exciting challenges. If you are a student interested in these fields, then a degree in Physics with Computer Science may be just right for you.
By completing the Physics with Computer Science degree, students will:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in the physical sciences and the acquisition of new knowledge via the scientific method.
- Use mathematical techniques to model physical systems and extract both quantitative and qualitative descriptions of their behavior.
- Acquire specific knowledge in the computational sciences.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary approach in the physical and computational sciences.
- Learn effective and ethical methods for collaborating with others on scientific and technical projects.